Motorcyclists have a dual personality. They are portrayed as being rebelious, but they are also portrayed as the good guys. Motorcycle gangs were what most of the general public thought about riders until the hit TV show CHiPs (1977-1983) focused on two California Highway Patrol motorcycle officers. From then on the motorcycle image was transformed.
Motorcycles in Films
James Dean and Marlon Brando epitomized the motorcyclist in films. Then came Eric Von Zipper played by Harvey Lembeck in the old Frankie Avalon/Annette Funicello beach movies in the mid 1096s. Steve McQueen rode a motorcycle in the film The Great Escape (1963). He was an avid motorcyclist. But the 1969 movie Easy Rider (1969) is the film credited for bringing motorcycles and their riders into the modern public consciousness. The most recent movie to epitomize the motorcycle lifestyle was the 2007 John Travolta film Wild Hogs.
Celebrities and their Motorcycles
Motorcycles come from all backgrounds and vocations. They are male and female. They are lawyers, doctors, accountants, dentists, film industry executives, artists, construction workers, police officers, actors and more.
Sunday is the traditional day for motorcyclists to get out, get together with their friends and feel the wind on their face unless, of course, they have a full face helmet.
On a typical Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles a bystander might run into Jay Leno or Arnold Schwarzenegger hanging loose with other motorcyclists at one of the several popular motorcycle “hangouts.” Some other celebrities who enjoy riding their motorcycles are Peter Fonda, Tom Cruise, Bruce Willis, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Ewan McGregor and many more.
Harley-Davidson is the All American Motorcycle
Many motorcycle enthusiasts feel the American made Harley-Davidson is the only true motorcycle. This year Harley Davidson turns 106. Six years ago they marked their 100th anniversary with a special celebration at their home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 28-31, culminating in a big party with fireworks and the whole shebang. Exhibits featured the history of the Harley motorcycles as well as their newest edition that year.
This August marks the 69th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota. Harley enthusiasts will gather from all around the world to get together for this annual event.
Motor Cycle Rallies for Charities
Motorcyclists long ago rid themselves of the stereotypic bad guy image. Today motorcycle rallies and rides generate money for charities. The Love Ride is the largest one-day motorcycle event in the world. This Southern California event raises money for several organizations and charities including the Muscular Dystrophy Association. It is typically scheduled for the Fall.
Motorcycles May Legally Split Lanes in California
In California it is legal to for motorcycles to “split lanes” if the conditions are safe. This means a motorcycle may drive between lanes and in the heavily congested area of Southern California this also means the motorcyclist can go faster than the automobile traffic.
Also, a single person on a motorcycle can legally drive in the carpool lane. These two-wheeled machines can go where some cars cannot. And they can park just about anywhere too. Add the fact that motorcycles get great mileage and in this day and age, with the price of gas and the traffic congestion, motorcycles seem like an ideal way to travel.
Many people secretly desire the freedoms afforded motorcycles. Whether they want to live out the image of freedom on the road or simply enjoy the outdoors, motorcycles provide a source of enjoyment for their riders.
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